Male Lion Mauls Female to Death at Alabama Zoo Within Minutes of Meeting

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Minutes after the pair were introduced at an Alabama zoo a male lion killed the lioness

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The Birmingham Zoo's male lion fatally injured the lioness named Akili on Monday

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An official statement from the zoo expressed its sadness over the death of a long time favorite animal and member of the Zoo family

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She was born in 2005 and came to the zoo with another African lion named Kwanza in 2007

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A new companion for Akili was brought in after Kwanza's death in 2011 in the form of Josh who had five cubs with Akili

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In April when Josh arrived at the zoo teams began slow and careful introductions between the two animals

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According to Hollie Colahan Birmingham Zoo's Deputy Director and AZA Coordinator the lions showed a lot of positive interaction during the preparation process for their new lives

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